Why I'll Never Vote GOP Again, Part 65: Ron Johnson (R-WI)

Why I’ll Never Vote GOP Again, Part 65: Ron Johnson (R-WI)

EnvironmentOctober 2010 • Views: 5,311

Impenetrably ignorant Republican Senate candidate Ron Johnson, last seen at LGF when he said global warming is caused by sunspots and CO2 is harmless because it’s “sucked down by trees,” has made the news again with another outburst of anti-science idiocy: Wis. US Sen. hopeful: Global warming ‘unproven’.

MILWAUKEE — Wisconsin U.S. Senate candidate Ron Johnson said Thursday that global warming was an “unproven” science that shouldn’t be used to dictate U.S. policies.

The Republican business owner said domestic efforts to reduce global warming would hurt American businesses and send jobs to countries that have fewer restrictions. Johnson said it would be irresponsible to build U.S. policy on the basis of unsubstantiated theories.

“The point is, because we’re not certain, because it’s not proven, the last thing we should do is penalize our economy,” he told The Associated Press during an interview.

“I’m not even sure if, if it were a fact, whether we could do anything about it anyway,” he added later.

“Idiocy” may be the wrong word for this kind of nihilistic ignorance; future generations are going to judge these right wing science deniers very harshly, when the consequences of their deceptions become apparent to all.

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178 comments

Ojoe Fri, Oct 1, 2010 4:49:57pm

Modern Whig Party

Voting more now but enjoying it less?

Ojoe Fri, Oct 1, 2010 4:51:02pm

Ojoebot …

I apologize if you’ve heard it already.

Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance Fri, Oct 1, 2010 4:51:39pm

Dude I’ve only lived in California for a decade so I can’t really compare it but in the 10 years I’ve been here it seems to have become warmer, drier and the weather has been jacked up. Back east where I grew up I have pictures from when I was a kid of the snow banks being 10 ft high, now they are getting less snow and temps, on average, are warmer. To say there’s nothing going on is to not be seeing the forest for the trees and to say that humans, the most dominant species on the planet, are not causing it is to be a complete and total idiot.

William Barnett-Lewis Fri, Oct 1, 2010 4:51:58pm

That he is even running is an embarrassment to my state. But then I gave my vote to Feingold forever when he voted against the (so called) Patriot Act, so I’m safe in this election.

pharmmajor Fri, Oct 1, 2010 4:53:50pm

Charles, we already know you’re not going to vote for the GOP. That’s a good thing. But would you ever consider voting for independents, libertarians, and other third party candidates?

Political Atheist Fri, Oct 1, 2010 4:58:31pm

Mr. (Ron!) Johnson I have an argument for you that we should enjoy in Los Angeles or Tokyo on a smog alert day. Perhaps near an oil refinery, or massive power station. Then sir I will explain the phrase “quality of life” to you. That will be my argument for the change you oppose.

You can then respond to me with your pro oil/pro coal, head in the freaking sand answers in a pristine forest glade. I’ll let our aching lungs decide who has the win.

Political Atheist Fri, Oct 1, 2010 5:00:08pm

re: #6 Rightwingconspirator
Thank You Charles for preview.

(Ron!)

Close one.

Shiplord Kirel Fri, Oct 1, 2010 5:00:38pm

Wisconsin you say?
But, but I thought Madison was a nest of communards and bearded Marxists! How can they allow this to go on? Is it just possible that someone, somewhere wants to exaggerate the strength of the far left?
/

Killgore Trout Fri, Oct 1, 2010 5:04:11pm

Meanwhile the environmentalists released a tasteless, offensive and ugly ad campaign in the UK….
10:10 mini-movie - No Pressure

Youtube Video

Not cool.

b_sharp Fri, Oct 1, 2010 5:04:12pm

Good evening lizardoids.

What’s up?

b_sharp Fri, Oct 1, 2010 5:05:46pm

re: #9 Killgore Trout

Meanwhile the environmentalists released a tasteless, offensive and ugly ad campaign in the UK…
10:10 mini-movie - No Pressure

[Video]
Not cool.

And it was removed quite quickly after the environmentalists condemned the video.

It never should have been made, let alone released.

theheat Fri, Oct 1, 2010 5:06:50pm

I don’t know that future generations are going to judge the anti-science GOP harshly. At least, not the next couple generations. The current generations brought up in today’s political “climate” are happily swallowing the horseshit their parents have been spoon feeding them; they represent the next generation. These are the dimwits that choose to believe people like Ron Johnson are the go-to guys for the straight talk on climate change, much the same way today’s bible thumpers believe Sarah Palin is a feminist.

So, no, I don’t hold out a lot of hope for the next generation. They’re hunkered down in the trenches right now, spewing their crap about socialism and godlessness. That perception isn’t going to go away, despite the very real global challenges to decrease negative environmental impact. Until they’re neck deep in their own garbage, drinking water that’s 90% chlorine, running their air-conditioner 24/7, and eating chickens raised in their living room - all the subtleties of climate change and environmental pollution and world population vs. resources will be lost on them.

This is GOP’s world view, and it’s all about dominionism. More bible + less science. Critical thinking went the way of the passenger pigeon, who, by the way, they’d slaughter into extinction all over again, given the chance.

b_sharp Fri, Oct 1, 2010 5:10:11pm

re: #12 theheat

This is GOP’s world view, and it’s all about dominionism. More bible + less science. Critical thinking went the way of the passenger pigeon, who, by the way, they’d slaughter into extinction all over again, given the chance.

And enjoy every. single. bite.

Killgore Trout Fri, Oct 1, 2010 5:10:50pm

re: #5 pharmmajor

Charles, we already know you’re not going to vote for the GOP. That’s a good thing. But would you ever consider voting for independents, libertarians, and other third party candidates?

Ojoe likes the Whigs.

Mostly sane, most of the time. Fri, Oct 1, 2010 5:15:04pm

Future politicians of America:

Please, please, go to your science classes.

They really aren’t a waste of your time.

Mostly sane, most of the time. Fri, Oct 1, 2010 5:15:12pm

re: #14 Killgore Trout

Ojoe likes the Whigs.

I hadn’t noticed.

Killgore Trout Fri, Oct 1, 2010 5:15:40pm

Attn to my fellow Portlandiots….
Winter could be a whopper, forecasters say

The most intense La Niña conditions since 1955 are brewing near the equator, raising the odds of a wild winter in the Pacific Northwest. Meteorologists say more rain, colder temperatures and bigger snowstorms are likely.

b_sharp Fri, Oct 1, 2010 5:16:06pm

re: #16 Emmmieg

I hadn’t noticed.

Maybe he should try being a little less subtle about it.

WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.] Fri, Oct 1, 2010 5:17:08pm

re: #15 Emmmieg

Future politicians of America:

Please, please, go to your science classes.

They really aren’t a waste of your time.

These aren’t sincere beliefs, they’re lies fed to dupes

Right now if it got them votes, the GOP would argue that gravity is caused by invisible floating gnomes pushing on everything

Usually refered to as anyways Fri, Oct 1, 2010 5:17:20pm

re: #12 theheat

I don’t know that future generations are going to judge the anti-science GOP harshly. At least, not the next couple generations. The current generations brought up in today’s political “climate” are happily swallowing the horseshit their parents have been spoon feeding them; they represent the next generation.

Does that include people who vote republican for fiscal responsibility?

WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.] Fri, Oct 1, 2010 5:17:27pm

re: #18 b_sharp

Maybe he should try being a little less subtle about it.

hahaha at what point does repeating the same thing over and over on a blog amount to spam

freetoken Fri, Oct 1, 2010 5:17:27pm

This gives me a chance to plug my latest Pages entry.

As for whether future generations will judge the current GOP harshly… well, we’re seeing the GOP being judged pretty harshly right now, on several fronts. For years the GOP establishment has tried to knit a coalition between several disparate groups, and the hard-core libertarian and small-government types seem to be pretty “tead” off at the old establishment GOP.

Though I write quite a bit about AGW, what I’m more concerned about at the moment is how we as a country/society are mishandling our current transition from world-dominance to being just a partner (albeit a very important one) in the emerging world order. Witness the current Congressional action wrt Chinese currency. Witness also how we’re not too enthusiastic about transitioning away from oil (regardless of AGW concerns) even though out oil import dependency has been shown to be an economic and security issue.

I recently went to a local candidates’ forum and while many were quite earnest in their beliefs the same story emerges - most think we can return to the housing-boom years that occurred here up through 2005. Few (and there were a couple) seemed to be actually concerned about future constraints with which we will have to deal.

AGW mitigation is now off the table, I’m sorry to say. AGW adaptation is necessary now and will be very much more so in the future.

Plans for using coal and other carbon ladened rocks (kerogen shale and very low quality lignite) are proceeding around the world including here in the US (where we have a pilot Coal To Liquids plant.) As such we will continue to emit CO2 (and other molecules) into the atmosphere in large scale for the foreseeable future.

WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.] Fri, Oct 1, 2010 5:18:52pm

re: #20 ozbloke

Does that include people who vote republican for fiscal responsibility?

The problem with voting R for fiscal responsibility is you get all the crazy mumbo jumbo rapture nitwits along with it, and also, they’re not actually that fiscally responsible

Decatur Deb Fri, Oct 1, 2010 5:19:30pm

re: #21 WindUpBird

hahaha at what point does repeating the same thing over and over on a blog amount to spam

One man’s spam is another man’s shtick. I would miss Ojoe’s shtick, and want to be a ward heeler if they ever get their act together.

theheat Fri, Oct 1, 2010 5:20:05pm

re: #9 Killgore Trout

Wow. I’m a big fan of zombie movies, but that’s pretty hard core. It seems to serve the other side much better, to paint climate change as a movement by extemists. Ultimately, I don’t know that’s the effect they’re going for.

But, really, how far down the tubes does the planet have to go, before it’s no longer a choice? At that point, the denialists will have a meltdown that rivals physical explosion. The mere suggestion they do anything, right now, gets their panties in a bunch.

Usually refered to as anyways Fri, Oct 1, 2010 5:20:58pm

re: #23 WindUpBird

The problem with voting R for fiscal responsibility is you get all the crazy mumbo jumbo rapture nitwits along with it, and also, they’re not actually that fiscally responsible

Does that include Reagan, Bush Senior and Bush Junior?
I’m not sure any of them were fiscally conservative.

Correct me if I’m wrong.

b_sharp Fri, Oct 1, 2010 5:22:02pm

re: #20 ozbloke

Does that include people who vote republican for fiscal responsibility?

What fiscal responsibility? From what I can see as an outsider their responsibility is limited to removing regulations that impose realistic limits on the stupid moves corporations can pull, and reducing taxes at the worst times and for the wrong group.

Seems to me they’re fully into fiscal irresponsibility.

theheat Fri, Oct 1, 2010 5:22:52pm

re: #20 ozbloke

Sure, because they’ve been the party of fiscal responsibility so far. Why not swallow their anti-science, anti-women, anti-gay, xenophobic, anti-environment party line - and let that impact everyone - because they’re so good at managing money? I mean, what’s the harm?
//

b_sharp Fri, Oct 1, 2010 5:23:09pm

re: #21 WindUpBird

hahaha at what point does repeating the same thing over and over on a blog amount to spam

Good question.

Youtube Video

freetoken Fri, Oct 1, 2010 5:24:23pm

re: #17 Killgore Trout

Attn to my fellow Portlandiots…
Winter could be a whopper, forecasters say

Here’s the latest ENSO forecast:

[Link: www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov…]

Fat Bastard Vegetarian Fri, Oct 1, 2010 5:26:08pm

re: #30 freetoken

Can someone read that for me? Well… Can someone ‘splain that for me?

Usually refered to as anyways Fri, Oct 1, 2010 5:26:12pm

re: #27 b_sharp

What fiscal responsibility? From what I can see as an outsider their responsibility is limited to removing regulations that impose realistic limits on the stupid moves corporations can pull, and reducing taxes at the worst times and for the wrong group.

Seems to me they’re fully into fiscal irresponsibility.

That sounds like a lefties view…

I’m thinking the things that are/were important to conservative voters was/is smaller government and fiscal responsibility. After all its been a catch cry for how many years?

Yet, I don’t see it when the ‘right’ is in power, come to think of it, I don’t hear many complaining that its not happening then either.

So how do you vote ‘right’ with a good conscience?

Fat Bastard Vegetarian Fri, Oct 1, 2010 5:27:52pm

re: #30 freetoken

Oh… for the PAC NW… gonna suck…

Easterners say “heh!”

Liberal Classic Fri, Oct 1, 2010 5:28:23pm

I am so frustrated. Embracing anti-science candidates is going to doom the Republican Party to irrelevancy for a long time. I know there are some people around here who are strong Democrats and are happy to see their party win elections. This is fine, and I do not have a problem with these people. My concern is for the lack of an effective opposition party that operates nationwide. If the Republican Party completely embraces the social conservative agenda, in particular making anti-science positions main party planks, then it could very well lose nationwide appeal and be reduced to being a regional party. I do not see this as healthy for American democracy.

Mostly sane, most of the time. Fri, Oct 1, 2010 5:31:37pm

re: #33 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

Oh… for the PAC NW… gonna suck…

Easterners say “heh!”

Christmas before last Santa almost didn’t come. Santa was snowed in for two stinking weeks, and had to drive 5 miles an hour on chains on a foot of snow to the nearest minimall to make Christmas happen.

Don’t get me started on not being able to go to Grandma’s house.

freetoken Fri, Oct 1, 2010 5:32:05pm

re: #33 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

Predicting ENSO (El nino, la nina) - the Pacific central water temps - in the short term is fairly good, as far as predictions go. However, the actual weather effects around the world can be quite variable.

CPC has a site dedicated to ENSO, and you can find lots there to read:
[Link: www.pmel.noaa.gov…]

Decatur Deb Fri, Oct 1, 2010 5:32:21pm

re: #34 Liberal Classic

I am so frustrated. Embracing anti-science candidates is going to doom the Republican Party to irrelevancy for a long time. I know there are some people around here who are strong Democrats and are happy to see their party win elections. This is fine, and I do not have a problem with these people. My concern is for the lack of an effective opposition party that operates nationwide. If the Republican Party completely embraces the social conservative agenda, in particular making anti-science positions main party planks, then it could very well lose nationwide appeal and be reduced to being a regional party. I do not see this as healthy for American democracy.

If I cared more for party than country, I wouldn’t be supporting the “Restore Sanity” effort. It would be better to see the GOP eventually succumb to rabies, and let the Dems stumble around unopposed. Instead, we have to try to pull the GOP back from the edge.

freetoken Fri, Oct 1, 2010 5:34:27pm

re: #34 Liberal Classic

My concern is for the lack of an effective opposition party that operates nationwide.

Regional differences in this country are currently being expressed strongly. I doubt the GOP, if on a national level it adopts officially the beliefs in several of the GOP state planks, can be effective as a party in regions dominated by large cities.

b_sharp Fri, Oct 1, 2010 5:34:39pm

re: #32 ozbloke

That sounds like a lefties view…

I’m thinking the things that are/were important to conservative voters was/is smaller government and fiscal responsibility. After all its been a catch cry for how many years?

Yet, I don’t see it when the ‘right’ is in power, come to think of it, I don’t hear many complaining that its not happening then either.

So how do you vote ‘right’ with a good conscience?

Fiscal responsibility IMHO, should not be limited to spending less and making the tax environment attractive to job producing employers, but should also include practical and intelligent use of government power to limit the ability of other organizations to cause recessions or to contribute to positive feedback loops.

Stanghazi Fri, Oct 1, 2010 5:35:40pm

Saw a car today on the freeway with this bumper sticker:

Teabaggers + Birthers = GOP

yes!

Our Precious Bodily Fluids Fri, Oct 1, 2010 5:35:59pm

re: #9 Killgore Trout

Meanwhile the environmentalists released a tasteless, offensive and ugly ad campaign in the UK…
10:10 mini-movie - No Pressure

[Video]
Not cool.

My primary objection is they blew up Gillian Anderson.

Now, speaking of campaign ads, I can’t decide how I’m going to vote on Prop. 111.

The “Yes” commercial:

Youtube Video

The “No” commercial:

Youtube Video

What to do…

theheat Fri, Oct 1, 2010 5:36:08pm

re: #34 Liberal Classic

If the Republican Party completely embraces the social conservative agenda, in particular making anti-science positions main party planks, then it could very well lose nationwide appeal and be reduced to being a regional party. I do not see this as healthy for American democracy.

First off, the party platform has completely adopted the extreme social conservative agenda. That shouldn’t even be up for debate at this point. It’s a fact, they’ve already done it.

As to becoming a regional party, why do you think they want to have individual states determine things that would normally be federal law? You could have klukker states, whites only states, bible states, creationist states, log it til it’s a parking lot states… You can see why they’re trying so hard to rescind federal regulations, and it has less to do with federal money than it does to actualizing their own socon, anti-environmental, unencumbered utopias.

researchok Fri, Oct 1, 2010 5:38:17pm

re: #38 freetoken

Regional differences in this country are currently being expressed strongly. I doubt the GOP, if on a national level it adopts officially the beliefs in several of the GOP state planks, can be effective as a party in regions dominated by large cities.

Agreed. If the national GOP adopts those planks, they will implode.

The GOP’s best shot (such as it is) is to take a ‘kick the bums out’ approach. It’s crude, but it resonates.

They can point to the decades long Dem hold on the poorest cities and try to make their case.

Liberal Classic Fri, Oct 1, 2010 5:40:53pm

re: #37 Decatur Deb

If the Republicans become solely a conservative Christian party, I imagine more fiscal conservative social moderates could run as blue dogs. I don’t really expect the parties to stay the same. Parties, planks, platforms, all these change over time. I not really saying things should stay the same.

What I am disturbed by is the prominence of anti-science ideas springing up generally in our culture: e.g. the truthers, anti-vaxers, as well as the creationists. It’s one thing for the fringe to mistrust the establishment. That’s one of the reasons they are fringe. But I find the upswing in anti-science sentiment alarming in general. That one of the major parties would seek to court a certain powerful voting block isn’t surprising. That this voting block would be anti-science in today’s world in our country is.

Usually refered to as anyways Fri, Oct 1, 2010 5:43:01pm

re: #39 b_sharp

Fiscal responsibility IMHO, should not be limited to spending less and making the tax environment attractive to job producing employers, but should also include practical and intelligent use of government power to limit the ability of other organizations to cause recessions or to contribute to positive feedback loops.

Again with the commie socialist leftie talk?

Liberal Classic Fri, Oct 1, 2010 5:43:26pm

re: #42 theheat

As to becoming a regional party, why do you think they want to have individual states determine things that would normally be federal law? You could have klukker states, whites only states, bible states, creationist states, log it til it’s a parking lot states… You can see why they’re trying so hard to rescind federal regulations, and it has less to do with federal money than it does to actualizing their own socon, anti-environmental, unencumbered utopias.

I still retain vestigial states-rights sentiment, because I believe there’s some value to decentralization for some things.

SanFranciscoZionist Fri, Oct 1, 2010 5:44:46pm

re: #8 Shiplord Kirel

Wisconsin you say?
But, but I thought Madison was a nest of communards and bearded Marxists! How can they allow this to go on? Is it just possible that someone, somewhere wants to exaggerate the strength of the far left?
/

Sure. Both the far left and the far right want to exaggerate the strength of the far left.

Usually refered to as anyways Fri, Oct 1, 2010 5:45:45pm

re: #39 b_sharp

I’m waitin for you to start quotin Joni Mitchell to me.

Don’t it always seem to go
That you don’t know what you’ve got
Till it’s gone
They paved paradise
And put up a parking lot

Decatur Deb Fri, Oct 1, 2010 5:45:49pm

re: #44 Liberal Classic

If the Republicans become solely a conservative Christian party, I imagine more fiscal conservative social moderates could run as blue dogs. I don’t really expect the parties to stay the same. Parties, planks, platforms, all these change over time. I not really saying things should stay the same.

What I am disturbed by is the prominence of anti-science ideas springing up generally in our culture: e.g. the truthers, anti-vaxers, as well as the creationists. It’s one thing for the fringe to mistrust the establishment. That’s one of the reasons they are fringe. But I find the upswing in anti-science sentiment alarming in general. That one of the major parties would seek to court a certain powerful voting block isn’t surprising. That this voting block would be anti-science in today’s world in our country is.

It’s only in the last couple generations that we have turned the lens of social science statistical methods on ourselves. What we see is pretty scary—a lot of us will believe just about anything. I once knew an aeronautical engineer who sent her problem son to school with a crystal in his pocket.

Killgore Trout Fri, Oct 1, 2010 5:46:01pm

re: #44 Liberal Classic

What I am disturbed by is the prominence of anti-science ideas springing up generally in our culture: e.g. the truthers, anti-vaxers, as well as the creationists. It’s one thing for the fringe to mistrust the establishment. That’s one of the reasons they are fringe. But I find the upswing in anti-science sentiment alarming in general. That one of the major parties would seek to court a certain powerful voting block isn’t surprising. That this voting block would be anti-science in today’s world in our country is.

It could be a serious problem in the future. We could become Saudi Arabia without the oil money (which is more or less Somalia). Civilizations come and go on this sort of thing.

Decatur Deb Fri, Oct 1, 2010 5:46:54pm

re: #45 ozbloke

Again with the commie socialist leftie talk?

Presumed sarc ding.

SanFranciscoZionist Fri, Oct 1, 2010 5:47:22pm

re: #38 freetoken

Regional differences in this country are currently being expressed strongly.

“Being from a small town is super-special, because you work for a living and love America and Jesus, something people in big cities don’t understand.”

//Chanelling the 2008 RNC for one awful moment. Rudy, how COULD you?

theheat Fri, Oct 1, 2010 5:47:36pm

re: #46 Liberal Classic

Yes, but as a nation, the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, or the one; a state being the “one.” If what a state does impacts the rest of the nation negatively, or diminishes personal rights in or out of that state, it’s a bullshit call.

Killgore Trout Fri, Oct 1, 2010 5:47:43pm

Thunder Busters (AC/DC vs Ghostbusters Mashup)

Youtube Video

lostlakehiker Fri, Oct 1, 2010 5:47:52pm

re: #20 ozbloke

Does that include people who vote republican for fiscal responsibility?

The blame goes to the politicians who say that AGW is unproven or a hoax.

The solution is probably not political anyhow. Just this sort of thing is playing out all over the globe. European nations signed the Kyoto treaty but did not do anything to live up to their promises. The U.S. didn’t sign, but came nearer actually doing what we would have promised had we signed, than did Europe.

The technology behind today’s wind and solar efforts is far advanced compared to what we had 30, 20, or even 10 years ago. We need further improvements, but we’re definitely in the “red zone”. When these green technologies defeat coal on a straight cost basis, the problem is solved.

It would help things along if the use of coal carried a tax, worldwide. After all, he who burns coal commits a negative externality upon his neighbors.

But getting such a tax enacted worldwide is a tall order. There’s a huge incentive to cheat. How well has the world managed its fisheries? So politicians who promise to enact such a tax are better than those who say there’s no problem, from this point of view, but not much better. They will not, when all is said and done, honor the promise. Or if they do, the problem will just skip down the road to another source.

theheat Fri, Oct 1, 2010 5:48:40pm

re: #52 SanFranciscoZionist

OMG, that makes me throw up-ski. That’s vile.

Fat Bastard Vegetarian Fri, Oct 1, 2010 5:48:53pm

re: #48 ozbloke

Thought that was Counting Crows….
(hides under the table)

Decatur Deb Fri, Oct 1, 2010 5:49:21pm

re: #48 ozbloke

I’m waitin for you to start quotin Joni Mitchell to me.

Don’t it always seem to go
That you don’t know what you’ve got
Till it’s gone
They paved paradise
And put up a parking lot

Oh daddy won’t you take me back to Muhlenberg County,
Down by the Green River, where paradise lay?
I’m sorry, my son, but you’re too late in askin’.
Mr. Peabody’s coal train has hauled it away.

b_sharp Fri, Oct 1, 2010 5:50:21pm

re: #45 ozbloke

Again with the commie socialist leftie talk?

I’m bound to be left of someone.

b_sharp Fri, Oct 1, 2010 5:51:27pm

re: #48 ozbloke

I’m waitin for you to start quotin Joni Mitchell to me.

Don’t it always seem to go
That you don’t know what you’ve got
Till it’s gone
They paved paradise
And put up a parking lot

Can’t do it bloke. I hate the way she plays guitar.

BongCrodny Fri, Oct 1, 2010 5:53:50pm

re: #58 Decatur Deb

Oh daddy won’t you take me back to Muhlenberg County,
Down by the Green River, where paradise lay?
I’m sorry, my son, but you’re too late in askin’.
Mr. Peabody’s coal train has hauled it away.

Prine *always* = automatic upding.

Decatur Deb Fri, Oct 1, 2010 5:54:27pm

re: #61 BongCrodny

Prine *always* = automatic upding.

Youtube Video

Killgore Trout Fri, Oct 1, 2010 5:54:41pm

I gotta admire Angus. They dude is probably 60 by now and still puts on the schoolboy shorts and jumps around like a maniac. AC/DC - Highway To Hell
BTW, Iron man II sucked.

b_sharp Fri, Oct 1, 2010 5:56:30pm

re: #52 SanFranciscoZionist

“Being from a small town is super-special, because you work for a living and love America and Jesus, something people in big cities don’t understand.”

//Chanelling the 2008 RNC for one awful moment. Rudy, how COULD you?

Is the growing worship of American exceptionalism becoming a state religion in rural areas?

BongCrodny Fri, Oct 1, 2010 5:56:59pm

re: #62 Decatur Deb

[Video]

One of my top 10 musical moments was when, a few years back, Kris Kristofferson opened for John Prine at Wolf Trap. During his encore, JP brought Kris back onstage and they did “Paradise” together.

Fat Bastard Vegetarian Fri, Oct 1, 2010 5:58:34pm

re: #58 Decatur Deb

My search attributed that song to John Freakin’ Denver. Not John fuckin’ Prine!

Usually refered to as anyways Fri, Oct 1, 2010 5:59:25pm

re: #55 lostlakehiker

The blame goes to the politicians who say that AGW is unproven or a hoax.

The solution is probably not political anyhow. Just this sort of thing is playing out all over the globe. European nations signed the Kyoto treaty but did not do anything to live up to their promises. The U.S. didn’t sign, but came nearer actually doing what we would have promised had we signed, than did Europe.

The technology behind today’s wind and solar efforts is far advanced compared to what we had 30, 20, or even 10 years ago. We need further improvements, but we’re definitely in the “red zone”. When these green technologies defeat coal on a straight cost basis, the problem is solved.

It would help things along if the use of coal carried a tax, worldwide. After all, he who burns coal commits a negative externality upon his neighbors.

But getting such a tax enacted worldwide is a tall order. There’s a huge incentive to cheat. How well has the world managed its fisheries? So politicians who promise to enact such a tax are better than those who say there’s no problem, from this point of view, but not much better. They will not, when all is said and done, honor the promise. Or if they do, the problem will just skip down the road to another source.

Thats why were gonna go it alone apparently, we got a female socialist wranger Prime Minister (not sure if Americans use the term of endearment ‘wranger’ = ‘Redhead’)
who wants to tax the profits of the wonderful corporations (well China’s) who employ our otherwise unemployable miserable plegs.

Next I hear she wants to stop us using kids to light the fuses in the mines.

Decatur Deb Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:00:31pm

re: #66 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

My search attributed that song to John Freakin’ Denver. Not John fuckin’ Prine!

Probably made more money from it. That’s my wife’s country—I’ve seen the shovel when it was near I-65.

Usually refered to as anyways Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:00:40pm

re: #60 b_sharp

Can’t do it bloke. I hate the way she plays guitar.

I dont like the tuning, its like she can’t form chords :)

Fat Bastard Vegetarian Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:00:56pm

re: #63 Killgore Trout

In complete agreeance.

Fat Bastard Vegetarian Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:01:45pm

re: #68 Decatur Deb

I have never heard Denver’s version, only Prines’.

Does that make me cool?

Fat Bastard Vegetarian Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:02:55pm

re: #65 BongCrodny

I heart John Prine.

Decatur Deb Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:03:25pm

re: #67 ozbloke

“Wranger” does not compute. It’s only recently I’ve found that “sheila” is Gaelic, not just a generalized nic-name. (viz. Sheila-na-gig).

Usually refered to as anyways Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:04:16pm

re: #57 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

Thought that was Counting Crows…
(hides under the table)

Hey FBV,

I don’t want to seem like I’m ignoring you, I just not sure what you mean.

Wah, I don’t get it…

BongCrodny Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:04:54pm

re: #72 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

I heart John Prine.

There’s a lot there to heart. :-)

theheat Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:05:19pm

re: #64 b_sharp

Based on my experience, I think maybe it always was, but I never paid much attention until the last few years. In my job I interact with these goodly/godly rural Americans, and have for years, and when I took the time to think about it, I see this isn’t a singular or uncommon attitude.

When you take that salt-of-the-earth bible-livin’ demographic, a lot of superstition, denial, suspicion, and ignorance come with the package. It ain’t all apple pie, corn, John Wayne, and American flags.

Decatur Deb Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:05:36pm

re: #72 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

I heart John Prine.

We used to hang at the mountain music festivals in Carter Caves and Jenny Wiley. It’s better stuff than bluegrass.

Fat Bastard Vegetarian Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:05:51pm

re: #74 ozbloke

This might piss you off…

Usually refered to as anyways Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:06:02pm

re: #73 Decatur Deb

“Wranger” does not compute. It’s only recently I’ve found that “sheila” is Gaelic, not just a generalized nic-name. (viz. Sheila-na-gig).

Decatur Deb
wranger = red hair

No, I don’t know why…

Linden Arden Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:06:59pm

re: #4 wlewisiii

That he is even running is an embarrassment to my state. But then I gave my vote to Feingold forever when he voted against the (so called) Patriot Act, so I’m safe in this election.

Thank you! Thank you!

Feingold is one of the last defenders of civil liberties along with Pat Leahy.

Liberal Classic Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:09:54pm

re: #76 theheat

I’m going to take umbrage with this statement because there are many educated people who live in rural areas and many ignorant people living in urban areas.

Fat Bastard Vegetarian Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:09:56pm

re: #77 Decatur Deb

You hung out with Prine?

Holy freakin’ frack!

Usually refered to as anyways Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:10:34pm

re: #78 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

This might piss you off…

Not a bad version, I don’t mind that at all actually.

Tell what you think of this…
Bobby Flynn
Or as he is affectionately known here in Au. Planet Bobby
Its his own arrangement.

Youtube Video

SteveC Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:11:11pm

Evening, LGF! Long time no see!

Amory Blaine Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:11:25pm

Ron Johnson is another one of them “government is bad” conservatives. He touts his conservative creds non stop on all media here in Wisconsin. Oh and it bears mentioning he is also a flaming hypocrite.

Decatur Deb Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:12:08pm

re: #82 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

You hung out with Prine?

Holy freakin’ frack!

No, no… just chased his music down. Did bump into John Hartford.

Fat Bastard Vegetarian Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:12:54pm

re: #83 ozbloke

Okay. Blech.

Fat Bastard Vegetarian Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:13:32pm

re: #86 Decatur Deb

And “Mark Twang” is on of my favorite recordings. So, you’re still cool.

Stanghazi Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:13:58pm

re: #84 SteveC

Evening, LGF! Long time no see!

Hello! How’s it going? (how’s that little guy you posted about awhile ago? - good news only please)

Usually refered to as anyways Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:14:44pm

re: #87 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

Okay. Blech.

Note to self, FBV likes cake but don’t appreciate talent.

Fat Bastard Vegetarian Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:16:40pm

re: #90 ozbloke

Heh.

Usually refered to as anyways Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:17:53pm

re: #59 b_sharp

Maybe not of me.

BongCrodny Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:18:21pm

re: #86 Decatur Deb

No, no… just chased his music down. Did bump into John Hartford.

Different concert at Wolf Trap: I had a couple ubercon friends that actually got up and left when Prine played “Your Flag Decal Won’t Get You Into Heaven Anymore.”

Their right to do so, but it was kind of surreal. Prine’s not a bombthrower by any stretch of the imagination, but my friends reacted like he was selling subscriptions to The Daily Worker.

SteveC Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:18:23pm

re: #89 Stanley Sea

Hello! How’s it going? (how’s that little guy you posted about awhile ago? - good news only please)

He’s still with us, thankfully. Not out of the woods and still in the hospital, but the kid is a fighter!

Killgore Trout Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:19:00pm

Hot Air links to Anti-Semite and holocaust denier Pat Buchanan….
The tea party versus neoconservatives?

The neocons are nervous the Tea Party may not sign up to soldier on for the empire. Writing in The Washington Post, Danielle Pletka and Thomas Donnelly of AEI have sniffed out the unmistakable scent of “isolationism” among Tea Party favorites.
They are warning that the old right and Tea Party might unite in a “combination of Ebenezer Scrooge and George McGovern, withdrawing from the world to a countinghouse America.”

Sorry, but the old neocon name-calling won’t cut it this time.

After Iraq and Afghanistan, the American people are not going to give the establishment and War Party a free hand in foreign policy. Every patriot will do what is necessary and pay what is needed to defend his country. But national security is one thing, empire security another.

Hot Air readers love it….

Speak the truth, Brother Buchanan!!

JohnGalt23 on October 1, 2010 at 8:12 PM

Stanghazi Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:20:56pm

re: #94 SteveC

He’s still with us, thankfully. Not out of the woods and still in the hospital, but the kid is a fighter!

Thanks! And so glad to hear it.

reine.de.tout Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:21:04pm

Hey, y’all, I’m pimping my own page here, but my daughter just showed me this video, the inner life of the cell, and I was enthralled, maybe you will be too.

Eclectic Infidel Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:22:43pm

OFF-TOPIC;

Can anyone suggest a few sites that explain Obama’s tax cuts in concise language, that includes who benefited and by how much? Thanks.

Killgore Trout Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:23:59pm

re: #97 reine.de.tout

IIRC, Harvard sued Ben Stein’s creationist movie because they plagarized that animation.

100

BongCrodny Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:25:44pm

re: #99 Killgore Trout

IIRC, Harvard sued Ben Stein’s creationist movie because they plagarized that animation.

Can “Win Ben Stein’s Bail Money” be far behind?

101

Charles Johnson Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:26:46pm

re: #95 Killgore Trout

Hot Air links to Anti-Semite and holocaust denier Pat Buchanan…
The tea party versus neoconservatives?

Hot Air readers love it…

Hot Air has to promote their fellow TownHall writers. That’s who Michelle Malkin sold them to; Buchanan comes with the deal.

102

Political Atheist Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:26:54pm

re: #97 reine.de.tout

Wow, beautiful

103

Decatur Deb Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:27:18pm

re: #98 eclectic infidel

OFF-TOPIC;

Can anyone suggest a few sites that explain Obama’s tax cuts in concise language, that includes who benefited and by how much? Thanks.

There’s a list around here somewhere, stapled to my one-page synopsis of the OSHA standards.

104

SteveC Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:27:19pm

re: #100 BongCrodny

Can “Win Ben Stein’s Bail Money” be far behind?

… followed by a reality show with Snooki?

105

austin_blue Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:28:32pm

re: #34 Liberal Classic

I am so frustrated. Embracing anti-science candidates is going to doom the Republican Party to irrelevancy for a long time. I know there are some people around here who are strong Democrats and are happy to see their party win elections. This is fine, and I do not have a problem with these people. My concern is for the lack of an effective opposition party that operates nationwide. If the Republican Party completely embraces the social conservative agenda, in particular making anti-science positions main party planks, then it could very well lose nationwide appeal and be reduced to being a regional party. I do not see this as healthy for American democracy.

Well put. As a Librul in Texas, I keep waiting for the polity in this state to wake up up to the madness. But no. Texas will be voting for the Rs for a long time. This will be one area where the Regional Republicans will maintain a strong hold. Teh crazee is strong here..

106

wrenchwench Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:29:42pm

re: #95 Killgore Trout

Hot Air links to Anti-Semite and holocaust denier Pat Buchanan…
The tea party versus neoconservatives?

Hot Air readers love it…

Another one:

Pat is so right. Hopefully the tea party will be the end of the neocons and their universalism humanism. Let the democrats spend our money on third world hellholes. The GOP should be all about defending America, first and last.

keep the change on October 1, 2010 at 9:03 PM

107

Wozza Matter? Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:30:50pm

re: #98 eclectic infidel

[Link: www.mainstreet.com…]

and fact check went through the GOP claims about the effect on small business - they’re pants were on fire

108

Charles Johnson Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:30:54pm

Robert Stacy McCain is having a major meltdown over not being invited to a big conservative online conference:

[Link: twitter.com…]

109

Dark_Falcon Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:31:55pm

re: #4 wlewisiii

That he is even running is an embarrassment to my state. But then I gave my vote to Feingold forever when he voted against the (so called) Patriot Act, so I’m safe in this election.

Yeah, but Feingold isn’t safe. He’s actually quite likely to lose. Of course, that is what want to happen, truth to tell.

110

Wozza Matter? Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:31:58pm

re: #108 Charles

Robert Stacy McCain is having a major meltdown over not being invited to a big conservative online conference:

[Link: twitter.com…]

Diddums.

111

Eclectic Infidel Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:33:06pm

re: #34 Liberal Classic

I am so frustrated. Embracing anti-science candidates is going to doom the Republican Party to irrelevancy for a long time. I know there are some people around here who are strong Democrats and are happy to see their party win elections. This is fine, and I do not have a problem with these people. My concern is for the lack of an effective opposition party that operates nationwide. If the Republican Party completely embraces the social conservative agenda, in particular making anti-science positions main party planks, then it could very well lose nationwide appeal and be reduced to being a regional party. I do not see this as healthy for American democracy.

On the flip side, this may be what the country needs in order to break the dominant two-party system, allowing for a viable third party down the road. I’d like to see this sort of splintering in the Democratic Party as well.

112

Obdicut Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:33:50pm

re: #109 Dark_Falcon

Why do you want this anti-science bastard to win?

113

Wozza Matter? Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:35:15pm

re: #111 eclectic infidel

On the flip side, this may be what the country needs in order to break the dominant two-party system, allowing for a viable third party down the road. I’d like to see this sort of splintering in the Democratic Party as well.

the four voting blocks -

TEa Party
Blue Dog/RINO Party
Obama/Clinton/Kerry/Franken Party
Kuchinich/Nader/Green Party

114

Dark_Falcon Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:35:40pm

re: #108 Charles

Robert Stacy McCain is having a major meltdown over not being invited to a big conservative online conference:

[Link: twitter.com…]

More projection than a movie theater.

115

jaunte Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:35:48pm

One tweet of complaint should have been enough, but McCain’s really wallowing in it.
Twallowing? Twhining?

116

Varek Raith Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:36:32pm

re: #115 jaunte

One tweet of complaint should have been enough, but McCain’s really wallowing in it.
Twallowing? Twhining?

That’s because the poor wittle baby needs a dipy change.

117

SanFranciscoZionist Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:36:43pm

re: #64 b_sharp

Is the growing worship of American exceptionalism becoming a state religion in rural areas?

You know, it isn’t that I mind American exceptionalism in moderation.

It’s that I resent being excluded from it.

118

Wozza Matter? Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:36:50pm

re: #107 wozzablog

[Link: www.mainstreet.com…]

and fact check went through the GOP claims about the effect on small business - ~~they’re pants~~ their pants were on fire

119

Walter L. Newton Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:37:07pm

re: #111 eclectic infidel

On the flip side, this may be what the country needs in order to break the dominant two-party system, allowing for a viable third party down the road. I’d like to see this sort of splintering in the Democratic Party as well.

Why? The Democratic Party has a stable base, well on their way of realizing most of what has been, up to this point, simply ideologies, now soon to become actual policy. Why would you want to see them splintering into a massive heap of do-do like the GOP?

120

Obdicut Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:37:21pm

re: #115 jaunte

I like that he clarifies that he’s not being weepy. He’s ‘ruminating’.

Weepily.

121

Dark_Falcon Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:37:25pm

re: #109 Dark_Falcon

Yeah, but Feingold isn’t safe. He’s actually quite likely to lose. Of course, that is what I want to happen, truth to tell.

PIMF

re: #112 Obdicut

Why do you want this anti-science bastard to win?

I want the GOP to control the Senate, that’s the reason.

122

Varek Raith Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:37:51pm

re: #121 Dark_Falcon

PIMF

re: #112 Obdicut

I want the GOP to control the Senate, that’s the reason.

*WHACK*
Sorry.

123

Wozza Matter? Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:39:19pm

re: #121 Dark_Falcon

PIMF

re: #112 Obdicut

I want the GOP to control the Senate, that’s the reason.

It’s a boatload of bat shit crazy in there - sometimes you just got to suck it up and let the sane people run the asylum - no matter how much you disagree with policy - until the inmates get better.

124

Obdicut Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:39:24pm

re: #121 Dark_Falcon

I want the GOP to control the Senate, that’s the reason.

Why? This is the GOP: AGW-denying. Why do you want them to control the senate?

Let’s see, you’re giving them a pass on creationism, now it appears you’re giving them a pass on AGW-denial.

What won’t you give them a pass on?

And what is it that you actually like about them?

125

Dancing along the light of day Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:39:27pm

re: #120 Obdicut

I like that he clarifies that he’s not being weepy. He’s ‘ruminating’.

Weepily.

LOL!
“ruminating”
Chewing his cud over & over!

126

Decatur Deb Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:39:55pm

re: #119 Walter L. Newton

Why? The Democratic Party has a stable base, well on their way of realizing most of what has been, up to this point, simply ideologies, now soon to become actual policy. Why would you want to see them splintering into a massive heap of do-do like the GOP?

Tradition.

127

Dark_Falcon Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:40:22pm

re: #122 Varek Raith

*WHACK*
Sorry.

It’s OK, I asked for it.

128

Stanghazi Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:41:15pm

re: #124 Obdicut

I want the GOP to control the Senate, that’s the reason.

Why? This is the GOP: AGW-denying. Why do you want them to control the senate?

Let’s see, you’re giving them a pass on creationism, now it appears you’re giving them a pass on AGW-denial.

What won’t you give them a pass on?

And what is it that you actually like about them?

Fiscal Conservatism! whooo we e e e e e e e

(channeling WUB)

129

Obdicut Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:42:32pm

re: #123 wozzablog

To me, the GOP at the moment are Aaron Burr.

Hamilton and Jefferson were ideological enemies. But Burr was a corrupt man, with no regard whatsoever for anything other than his own advancement and his own strange conceits.

So when it came down to it, Hamilton supported Jefferson over Burr.

130

Eclectic Infidel Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:42:52pm

re: #119 Walter L. Newton

I want more diversity. I want more transparency (may or may not happen even with more parties).

The GOP (sans the TP crowd) and the Dems aren’t too different in the end.

131

Obdicut Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:43:03pm

re: #128 Stanley Sea

The last time the GOP saw fiscal conservatism, it painted it red, called it socialism, and shot it.

132

Ojoe Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:43:23pm

Misty Towercam evening view of the San Gabriel Mountains.

A fine range for hiking, the San Gabriels.

133

Walter L. Newton Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:43:40pm

re: #130 eclectic infidel

I want more diversity. I want more transparency (may or may not happen even with more parties).

The GOP (sans the TP crowd) and the Dems aren’t too different in the end.

So, you sort of agree with Rush Limbaugh, you want them to fail?

134

Wozza Matter? Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:44:01pm

re: #124 Obdicut

And what is it that you actually like about them?

i think DF is (in the political - and only the political sense) a tribalist.

It’s like following the local sports franchise - no matter how much the coach blows or the players suck, or the owners crooked or the star RB is on crack - its still your team.

(no offence to raiders fans)

(don’t mean to speak for you DF - hope you don’t take offence at the above, it’s just my read)

135

Dancing along the light of day Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:44:29pm

re: #108 Charles

The background on that link, makes it impossible to read, IMHO.
Not that RSM is readable anyway….

136

Decatur Deb Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:44:57pm

re: #132 Ojoe

Misty Towercam evening view of the San Gabriel Mountains.

A fine range for hiking, the San Gabriels.

Is that like hiking the Appalachian Trail, but for gays?

137

Ojoe Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:46:20pm

re: #136 Decatur Deb

Well it is near Hollywood.

I hiked there a lot, though, and it all seemed in proportion.

138

Eclectic Infidel Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:46:36pm

re: #133 Walter L. Newton

So, you sort of agree with Rush Limbaugh, you want them to fail?

I want them to transform. If both parties splinter, producing two more parties down the road, and then the original parties collapse, that wouldn’t be progress.

139

Political Atheist Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:46:50pm

re: #132 Ojoe

Misty Towercam evening view of the San Gabriel Mountains.

A fine range for hiking, the San Gabriels.

Indeed.

140

austin_blue Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:46:58pm

re: #129 Obdicut

To me, the GOP at the moment are Aaron Burr.

Hamilton and Jefferson were ideological enemies. But Burr was a corrupt man, with no regard whatsoever for anything other than his own advancement and his own strange conceits.

So when it came down to it, Hamilton supported Jefferson over Burr.

And died.

141

Dark_Falcon Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:47:12pm

re: #123 wozzablog

It’s a boatload of bat shit crazy in there - sometimes you just got to suck it up and let the sane people run the asylum - no matter how much you disagree with policy - until the inmates get better.

I don’t see it that way. In my state the Dems are the jackasses who’ve run the state into the ground. The Republican party is the only chance Illinois has to avoid an outright meltdown. Moreover, Ron Johnson is likely to follow the party line and vote soundly on economic matters. That matters a great deal to me.

What, other than AGW, does Feingold have to recommend him to me?

142

Stanghazi Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:47:35pm

re: #138 eclectic infidel

I want them to transform. If both parties splinter, producing two more parties down the road, and then the original parties collapse, that wouldn’t be progress.

Labor sounds like a good party.

143

Dark_Falcon Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:48:30pm

re: #134 wozzablog

i think DF is (in the political - and only the political sense) a tribalist.

It’s like following the local sports franchise - no matter how much the coach blows or the players suck, or the owners crooked or the star RB is on crack - its still your team.

(no offence to raiders fans)

(don’t mean to speak for you DF - hope you don’t take offence at the above, it’s just my read)

That’s a pretty good read. And it also sums up my feels about the Cubs and Bears, too.

144

Decatur Deb Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:50:12pm

re: #142 Stanley Sea

Labor sounds like a good party.

“Modern Wobblies” makes some sense in which ownership has been massively globalized. Let’s organize the villagers in Papua who are answering our help lines.

145

austin_blue Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:50:52pm

re: #141 Dark_Falcon

I don’t see it that way. In my state the Dems are the jackasses who’ve run the state into the ground. The Republican party is the only chance Illinois has to avoid an outright meltdown. Moreover, Ron Johnson is likely to follow the party line and vote soundly on economic matters. That matters a great deal to me.

What, other than AGW, does Feingold have to recommend him to me?

He believes in the value of the middle class rather than a situation where a bright young man like yourself has very little chance of upward economic mobility. The Rs regressive tax policies are killing your future, whether you believe it or not.

146

Decatur Deb Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:51:11pm

re: #144 Decatur Deb

PIMF: “in a world in which”

147

Obdicut Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:52:05pm

re: #141 Dark_Falcon

Why do you think the GOP has any chance of helping Illinois avoid a meltdown, when the candidate for the GOP has so little financial sense that he suggested cutting cable TV to prisons as a way to help ease the deficit— a move that not only would increase the deficit, as the prisoners pay for the TV, but would result in higher costs at the prison in other ways?

How is a man like that going to help Illinois?

I understand Quinn is a jackass.

But just because the Democrats in the state are the problem does not mean the GOP are the solution. They could just be a different problem.

148

Stanghazi Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:52:21pm

re: #143 Dark_Falcon

That’s a pretty good read. And it also sums up my feels about the Cubs and Bears, too.

I updinged you for your honesty, but I think it’s dangerous, and it certainly isn’t country first.

Winning is nothing in the whole realm of the world. We’re all neighbors in the end.

(tomorrow is a huge day for me - if you want to give me some game day karma, please click my nic)

149

Eclectic Infidel Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:52:59pm

re: #144 Decatur Deb

“Modern Wobblies” makes some sense in which ownership has been massively globalized. Let’s organize the villagers in Papua who are answering our help lines.

Definitely. Let’s organize at home and abroad. Maybe then the villagers in Papua can earn more than a dollar a day.

150

Dancing along the light of day Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:53:19pm

re: #148 Stanley Sea

Karma sent! Good luck!

151

Wozza Matter? Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:54:21pm

re: #141 Dark_Falcon

I don’t see it that way. In my state the Dems are the jackasses who’ve run the state into the ground. The Republican party is the only chance Illinois has to avoid an outright meltdown. Moreover, Ron Johnson is likely to follow the party line and vote soundly on economic matters. That matters a great deal to me.

What, other than AGW, does Feingold have to recommend him to me?

The “party line” on economic matters is not what you would like. It’s blocking PAYGO at the moment - as soon as the dems try to pay for something the GOP filibusters or tags on ridiculous amendments - see the 9/11 first responder bill.

If the GOP supported PAYGO - fine, they don’t at the moment. Their economic policy is a mess.

You have your set of beliefs - thats fine - and the local situation is difficult - the Democrats are what they are from time to time, the national situation tho is boys against men in terms of policy and any sort of rational logical thought.

152

SteveC Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:56:56pm

re: #108 Charles

Robert Stacy McCain is having a major meltdown over not being invited to a big conservative online conference:

[Link: twitter.com…]

Now wait a minute….

Do you have to have an invitation to go online?

Can’t you just sit down at the keyboard and type “Hi, I’m Bob!”

153

BongCrodny Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:57:28pm

I think if you let these people in the Senate, it’s gonna be like unleashing a pack of wild howler monkeys in…uh….in a place where you wouldn’t want to unleash a pack of wild howler monkeys.

154

Dark_Falcon Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:57:53pm

re: #147 Obdicut

Why do you think the GOP has any chance of helping Illinois avoid a meltdown, when the candidate for the GOP has so little financial sense that he suggested cutting cable TV to prisons as a way to help ease the deficit— a move that not only would increase the deficit, as the prisoners pay for the TV, but would result in higher costs at the prison in other ways?

How is a man like that going to help Illinois?

I understand Quinn is a jackass.

But just because the Democrats in the state are the problem does not mean the GOP are the solution. They could just be a different problem.

Quinn actually isn’t a jackass, he’s a decent human being. But he serves a political machine headed by State Assembly Speaker Michael Madigan that is bleeding the state dry. Bill Brady does not serves than machine and can be counted on to fight it as hard as a man can fight it. That makes me, my family, and my friends feel that he is the best choice. I know his reforms will be painful, but they won’t just be tax, spend, borrow, spend, tax. The budget will actually be reformed.

155

Wozza Matter? Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:58:05pm

re: #153 BongCrodny

I think if you let these people in the Senate, it’s gonna be like unleashing a pack of wild howler monkeys in…uh…in a place where you wouldn’t want to unleash a pack of wild howler monkeys.

film at 11………..

156

Varek Raith Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:58:22pm

re: #153 BongCrodny

I think if you let these people in the Senate, it’s gonna be like unleashing a pack of wild howler monkeys in…uh…in a place where you wouldn’t want to unleash a pack of wild howler monkeys.

Lol.
There are appropriate locations to release them, though.
Like your neighbors house.
/

157

Obdicut Fri, Oct 1, 2010 6:59:15pm

re: #154 Dark_Falcon

Bill Brady does not serves than machine and can be counted on to fight it as hard as a man can fight it.

That is pablum.

That makes me, my family, and my friends feel that he is the best choice. I know his reforms will be painful, but they won’t just be tax, spend, borrow, spend, tax. The budget will actually be reformed.

Why do you believe that someone who suggested something to balance the budget that would actually cost money is going to reform the budget in a positive manner? That makes zero sense.

158

Decatur Deb Fri, Oct 1, 2010 7:00:34pm

re: #154 Dark_Falcon

Quinn actually isn’t a jackass, he’s a decent human being. But he serves a political machine headed by State Assembly Speaker Michael Madigan that is bleeding the state dry. Bill Brady does not serves than machine and can be counted on to fight it as hard as a man can fight it. That makes me, my family, and my friends feel that he is the best choice. I know his reforms will be painful, but they won’t just be tax, spend, borrow, spend, tax. The budget will actually be reformed.

A news clip this AM claimed a study showed corruption cost every individual in Chigago $100 per annum. Thought that was actually rather restrained, by NJ standards.

159

SteveC Fri, Oct 1, 2010 7:03:27pm

re: #153 BongCrodny

I think if you let these people in the Senate, it’s gonna be like unleashing a pack of wild howler monkeys in…uh…in a place where you wouldn’t want to unleash a pack of wild howler monkeys.

Yeah, that’s just about anywhere.

A few years ago there was an article in the newspaper about a drunk guy at the local strip club. He tried to fondle one of the girls and found himself tossed out on his ass.

As luck would have it, he ran a sideshow at the State Fair. So he went and got the Orangutan that he used in his show, returned to the strip club, and turned the monkey loose as soon as he hit the door…

Police and fire trucks, nekked women, a monkey and one drunk dude. I hear it was pretty awesome!

160

Dark_Falcon Fri, Oct 1, 2010 7:06:48pm

re: #157 Obdicut

That is pablum.

Why do you believe that someone who suggested something to balance the budget that would actually cost money is going to reform the budget in a positive manner? That makes zero sense.

That was a first idea. “Getting tough on prisoners” and cutting their comforts is often something politicians propose. I don’t know if he still favors it. Likely not, since I do believe that he will listen and think on matters economic.

161

William Barnett-Lewis Fri, Oct 1, 2010 7:07:42pm

re: #141 Dark_Falcon

I don’t see it that way. In my state the Dems are the jackasses who’ve run the state into the ground. The Republican party is the only chance Illinois has to avoid an outright meltdown. Moreover, Ron Johnson is likely to follow the party line and vote soundly on economic matters. That matters a great deal to me.

What, other than AGW, does Feingold have to recommend him to me?

DF, I would say:
1) Honor
2) Honesty
3) Support for all the Constitution, not just what is party line convenient (he supports the 1st & 2nd quite regularly, for example) to a given party
4) Support for sane economics, all though I believe you’re more of the Milton Friedman school, not Keynes like Mr. Feingold
5) a fully literate soul who would understand the Heinlein quote about specialization being for insects…

I’ve always found him to answer what he believes and to vote accordingly. Most of the time I do agree with him, so consider me a partisan for him. But I’d rather one of him than 100 people like Mr Johnson even if they voted for everything I ever wanted.

Hope this makes some sense

162

Wozza Matter? Fri, Oct 1, 2010 7:09:07pm

re: #161 wlewisiii

DF, I would say:
1) Honor
2) Honesty
3) Support for all the Constitution, not just what is party line convenient (he supports the 1st & 2nd quite regularly, for example) to a given party
4) Support for sane economics, all though I believe you’re more of the Milton Friedman school, not Keynes like Mr. Feingold
5) a fully literate soul who would understand the Heinlein quote about specialization being for insects…

I’ve always found him to answer what he believes and to vote accordingly. Most of the time I do agree with him, so consider me a partisan for him. But I’d rather one of him than 100 people like Mr Johnson even if they voted for everything I ever wanted.

Hope this makes some sense

well stated.

163

Obdicut Fri, Oct 1, 2010 7:09:10pm

re: #160 Dark_Falcon

That was a first idea. “Getting tough on prisoners” and cutting their comforts is often something politicians propose. I don’t know if he still favors it. Likely not, since I do believe that he will listen and think on matters economic.

Why, though? You do realize, don’t you, that you haven’t actually offered any reasoning, any logic whatsoever?

164

BongCrodny Fri, Oct 1, 2010 7:10:58pm

re: #160 Dark_Falcon

That was a first idea. “Getting tough on prisoners” and cutting their comforts is often something politicians propose. I don’t know if he still favors it. Likely not, since I do believe that he will listen and think on matters economic.

I think you’re doubling down on a 12 here.

165

Dark_Falcon Fri, Oct 1, 2010 7:18:18pm

re: #163 Obdicut

Why, though? You do realize, don’t you, that you haven’t actually offered any reasoning, any logic whatsoever?

Call it intuition, if you like. It’s not like I can be swayed, after all. Everyone one of my family and friends is voting for Brady, all of us. He is also not the machine’s thrall, and those two things are enough for me. I need no argument beyond that.

166

Obdicut Fri, Oct 1, 2010 7:25:30pm

re: #165 Dark_Falcon

Call it intuition, if you like.

I don’t. I call it blind partisanship, that leads you to give the GOP a pass on issue after issue after issue after issue, based on a myth and fiction of their fiscal responsibility that they’ve done nothing to earn.

167

wee fury Fri, Oct 1, 2010 7:39:38pm

When I lived in Wisconsin — I voted against Feingold in every election. I would do the same again this year (if I still lived in that state).
This year it will be even more fun! I get to vote in Minnesota.

168

Wozza Matter? Fri, Oct 1, 2010 7:44:03pm

re: #167 wee fury

When I lived in Wisconsin — I voted against Feingold in every election. I would do the same again this year (if I still lived in that state).
This year it will be even more fun! I get to vote in Minnesota.

Can i congratulate you on the most thorough excoriation of Russ Feingold and all his policies that i have ever read. The detail for your reasoning exudes every pore in your commentary.

Again, bravura.

169

b_sharp Fri, Oct 1, 2010 7:48:55pm

re: #97 reine.de.tout

Hey, y’all, I’m pimping my own page here, but my daughter just showed me this video, the inner life of the cell, and I was enthralled, maybe you will be too.

Thanks for posting that. It was the centre of some controversy when the creationist movie ‘Expelled’ first came out and PZ was expelled from a showing.

170

mich-again Fri, Oct 1, 2010 7:52:13pm

“Idiocy” may be the wrong word for this kind of nihilistic ignorance; future generations are going to judge these right wing science deniers very harshly, when the consequences of their deceptions become apparent to all.

He makes a good point that if all we do is shift production and consumption outside the USA it doesn’t really solve the problem. But he’s wrong when he says that even if the science is true nothing can be done anyways so why even bother. I say begone with the defeatism. The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step and there are a million steps we can take to conserve energy just by reducing waste in the ways we use energy. And there are so many economic benefits for everyone when we reduce energy use that even the ones out there who deny every bit of the climate science should still support conservation efforts just because it puts more money in their pocket. So instead of fighting the Dems by denying the science, he should propose ideas for cutting greenhouse gas emissions that are based on market forces and promote conservative principles.

171

wee fury Fri, Oct 1, 2010 7:53:36pm

re: #168 wozzablog

Thank you.

172

ClaudeMonet Fri, Oct 1, 2010 11:35:01pm

re: #31 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

Can someone read that for me? Well… Can someone ‘splain that for me?

I’m not sure what language it’s written in. I’m no dummy, but I was lost in seconds when I tried.

Anyone—In plain English, what’s the extended forecast for the upcoming winter, by region?

173

ClaudeMonet Fri, Oct 1, 2010 11:46:06pm

re: #78 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

This might piss you off…

Didn’t take the usual liberties with the song, trying to “improve” it, just did a faithful cover. Great voice, good video.

174

ClaudeMonet Sat, Oct 2, 2010 12:00:20am

re: #164 BongCrodny

I think you’re doubling down on a 12 here.

I’ve seen it happen many times, just as I’ve seen people hit a “hard” 17 or split tens. Casino managements love stupidity, it pays all their bills.

re: #85 Amory Blaine

Ron Johnson is another one of them “government is bad” conservatives. He touts his conservative creds non stop on all media here in Wisconsin. Oh and it bears mentioning he is also a flaming hypocrite.

In their minds (or whatever they use instead), it’s not hypocrisy if it generates “Amurican jobz”—and puts money in their pockets.

re: #95 Killgore Trout

Hot Air links to Anti-Semite and holocaust denier Pat Buchanan…
The tea party versus neoconservatives?

Hot Air readers love it…

A plague o’ both their houses!

re: #108 Charles

Robert Stacy McCain is having a major meltdown over not being invited to a big conservative online conference:

[Link: twitter.com…]

It’s no loss if he melts down to his core.

175

Sol Berdinowitz Sat, Oct 2, 2010 2:57:49am

re: #9 Killgore Trout

Meanwhile the environmentalists released a tasteless, offensive and ugly ad campaign in the UK…
10:10 mini-movie - No Pressure

[Video]
Not cool.

This is a case of VERY British humo(u)r: the kind that goes around several corners to make its point, and those who mist the turns and windings get the wrong idea.

Remember how Archie Bunker used to fun of minorities, but the point of it was that he himself was the idiot for uttering such things?

Archie was based on Alf Graydon from a British TV series. And this ad is much in that tradition: it is trying to poke fun of everyone who sees chlimate change advocates as some sort of extremist lunatic fringe.

But even in Britain it managed to fall flat on its face.

176

gadlaw Sat, Oct 2, 2010 9:15:12am

Well, I’ve already voted absentee and there wasn’t an elected office that I voted for the Republican. I’m a registered Republican to boot. It’s just nobody there at home who isn’t a creationist and who isn’t pandering to the Tea Party folks. Not that I disagree with everything, fiscal conservative, smaller government but those ships sailed a long time ago. Everyone who ever gets in grows the government so saying you’re for a smaller government doesn’t mean a thing since when they ones who say they are for it don’t know what fiscal responsibility is. And then there’s the ‘repeal the health care’ folks - No more sanity in the Republican Party.

177

Yuppieskum Sat, Oct 2, 2010 5:39:11pm

“Brain-dead” doesn’t begin to do Johnson justice. The only thing worse are the even more brain-dead Wisconsinites who will cast their vote for him. Jeebus, I feel like I’m trapped on the set of “Idiocracy”.

178

wee fury Sat, Oct 2, 2010 7:24:37pm

re: #177 Yuppieskum

“Brain-dead” doesn’t begin to do Johnson justice. The only thing worse are the even more brain-dead Wisconsinites who will cast their vote for him. Jeebus, I feel like I’m trapped on the set of “Idiocracy”.

Your first post is … . so … . emotional.
Welcome.
And, take a deep breath.
;-)

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